This 54-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Mellié Iran/Bank Melli Iran (National Bank of Iran) from 1932 to 1958, and the Bank Markazi Iran (Central Bank of Iran) from 1961 to present. Published 30 January 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Earlier versions of the 50,000-rial note (P149) with signatures of Mahmoud Bahmani and Shamseddin Hosseini have solid Farsi text at center front (top), where as later versions have hatched Farsi text (bottom). The transition from solid to hatched takes place on notes between prefix denominators 10 and 13 (in Farsi).

According to an Arabic languague press release, the Central Bank of Iraq has issued new 5,000- and 25,000-dinar notes like the existing notes (CBI B50 and B52, respectively, but with enhanced seucirty features and dated 2013. The 5,000-dinar note has a green-to-blue SPARK patch at lower right front, and a green-to-blue 4-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBI. The 25,000-dinar note has a revised agricultural scene on front, a varifeye security thread, and a purple-to-green 4-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBI.

Existing notes of that denomination will circulate in parallel before being gradually withdrawn.

The new note is expected to join the family of 50-, 100-, and 200-pound notes (CBS B27-B29, respectively) dated 2009, introduced 27.07.2010, and printed by Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck, a subsidiary of Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Austria’s central bank.

Mayala said the new note will have different colors, depiction, and figures, and will be made of better-quality materials “in a way to reflect the cultural and historical image of Syria and protect the banknotes from getting worn out."

According to an article in Azernews dated 19 August 2014, First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Alim Guliyev told journalists that the government is planning to put new 250- and 500-manat banknotes into circulation in the near future, "to improve the effectiveness of banknote circulation and to reduce state expenditures." Currently the largest denomination is the 100-manat note (AMB B19) issued in 2005. Bear in mind that Azerbaijan has been discussing the issuance of larger denominations for several years. Time will tell if these plans ever come to fruition.

According to a GulfNews.com article dated 12 July 2014, the board of directors of the Central Bank of the UAE recently instructed that necessary actions be taken to reprint all denominations of banknotes using Braille characters so that they will be readable by the visually impaired.

The Central Bank of Kuwait has introduced a new series of banknotes. Contrary to earlier reports, these new notes are produced on paper, not polymer, substrates.

The sixth issue was unveiled at a celebration event on 19 May 19 2014, and entered circulation on 29 June 2014, the beginning of Ramadan. This series uses visual representations of nationally significant elements and economic accomplishments that are all grounded on one unified background that is of the Kuwaiti flag. The banknotes feature iconic and culturally significant buildings on the front while the back illustrates Kuwait’s accomplishments and economic milestones throughout history. The new banknotes were also designed with the visually impaired in mind. The banknotes’ values are larger in size and the raised print aids the visually impaired in distinguishing each banknote from the other.

The sixth issue of the Kuwaiti dinar banknotes includes the most advanced security measures such as innovative printing processes, color changing features, and visual elements that become visible upon tilting the banknote. The preceding issues will circulate in parallel until such time as they are withdrawn from circulation.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

According to a Globes article dated 27 April 2014, the Bank of Israel will issue a new 50-new shekel banknote on Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) in September 2014. It is the first of the new series of banknotes that will be issued, with the second banknote, for NIS 200, entering circulation in 2015. The Bank of Israel says that the new banknotes will enter circulation when quality control tests and businesses' preparations for handling the notes are completed.

According to a press release dated 9 April 2014, De La Rue has printed a new 50,000-livre note to commemorate the 50th annivesary of the founding of the Banque du Liban. "With vibrant colours and imagery, the new note uses the latest technology as protection against counterfeiting. The clear ‘window’ area in the banknote shows an image of the Cedar of Lebanon in a bright, eye-catching blue/green ink which changes colour as the note is tilted and which can be seen from both sides of the note. The Banque is proud to be the first issuing authority in the region to use this colour changing ink in the clear window of the banknote. De La Rue’s Sales Director Ruth Euling commented: ‘De La Rue is honoured that the Banque du Liban has selected our Safeguard polymer for their banknotes and included the SPARK ® Orbital TM feature which provides a dynamic, high impact public recognition feature. We congratulate the Banque on being the first issuer in the region to adopt the new technologies."

This polymer note commemorating 70 years of independence for Lebanon was issued on 22 November 2013 (the anniversary of the end of French colonial rule in 1943), despite the fact that the French-language back spells “independence” as it is written in English, rather than the French “independance.” The Central Bank of Lebanon said it regretted the mistake, which it blamed on the printing company (De La Rue). 50,000 pieces will enter circulation.

If you missed out on getting a free copy of the Lebanon chapter of The Banknote Book, don't despair. Dealer Claude Akl is also providing free copies of this chapter (a $9.99 value) to the first 30 eBay buyers of Lebanon's new 50,000-livre note. Visit his eBay store for details.

Today I'm pleased to announce the first sponsored chapter give-away thanks to the generosity of Lebanon-based dealer, Claude Akl.

The 15-page catalog covering the notes issued by the Banque du Liban (Bank of Lebanon) from 1964 to present normally costs $9.99, but if you are among the first 20 collectors to use the coupon code DEKENEH during checkout, you can download the chapter absolutely free. As this is a limited offer, please take advantage of it only if you are truly interested in the modern notes of Lebabon.

If you miss out on this initial offer, don't despair. Claude is also providing free copies of this chapter to the first 30 eBay buyers of Lebanon's new 50,000-livre commemorative polymer note to be issued November 22. Visit his eBay store for details.

10 dirhams, 2013 and ١٤٣٤ (AH1434). Like CBA B27a, but new date and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi). Also, the serial number at left is now vertical, not horizontal.

½ dinar, no date. Like CBK B24, but new signatures. Governor Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel appears at left, and the minister of finance is at right, but the signatory is unknown. I've seen reports that Nayef Al-Hajraf was appointed minister in June 2012, but also that Salem AbdulAziz Al-Saud Al-Sabah (former governor to February 2012) has been in the role since 4 August 2013. If these are correct, it's likely the signatory is Nayef Al-Hajraf. Confirmation of the identity of the signatory is requested.

According to a press release dated 20 October 2013, the Bank of Israel is expected to appoint Dr. Karnit Flug to take over as governor from Stanley Fischer who left in June, marking the first time a woman has held the post.

5 dirhams, 2013 and ١٤٣٤ (AH1434). Like CBA B26a, but new date and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi). Also, the serial number at left is now vertical, not horizontal.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

According to a press release dated 28 April 2013, the Israeli cabinet approved the details and designs of the new 50- and 200-new shekel notes to be issued "toward the end of 2013."

However, according to a press release dated 7 August 2013, the circulation of the new NIS 50 and NIS 200 notes "will be delayed by several months, and is expected to begin during the second half of 2014. The circulation of the two other banknotes – the NIS 20 and NIS 100 – will begin a few months afterwards."

There have been many previous reports of larger denominations coming from Iran that have not come to pass, but according to this Persian-only posting, the CBI issued a newly designed 5,000-rial note shown above in early July 2013.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

The Syria chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 12-page catalog covers every note (105 types and varieties, including 17 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Central Bank of Syria from 1957 to present day. Published 12 April 2013.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

According to a press release dated 28 January 2013, on 2 February the Central Bank of The United Arab Emirates issued new 100- and 1,000-dirhams banknotes like the existing notes (CBA B29 and B31, respectively), but with a 3-mm wide, magenta-to-gold color-shifting windowed security thread and green-to-blue OVI coat of arms.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

The Armenia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers every note (61 types and varieties, including 31 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Republic of Armenia in 1919 and the Bank of the Republic of Armenia from 1993 to present day. Published 29 March 2013.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

According to an article in TehranTimes and an article in Bloomberg, both dated 3 March 2013, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran plans to issue 200,000-rial and 500,000-rial banknotes. The bank will begin printing 200,000-rial ($16) banknotes as soon as it receives permission from the Economy Ministry and will release the new notes into circulation in the Iranian new year starting 21 March, said Majid Saniei, head of Iran’s security and minting organization. The bank is also seeking approval for 500,000-rial notes and plans to introduce these within two years.

Currently the largest denomination is the 100,000-rial note (Pick 151), issued in 2010, though from 2008 to 2010 the bank has issued cheques as large as 1,000,000 rials.

Although recent reports of a 2,000-pound note featuring the portrait of Bashr al Assad have been exposed as obvious fakes, there is credible evidence that the Central Bank of Syria may be working on a 1,000-pound note. This video by the Bank Al-Maghrib in Morocco contains brief images of a 1,000-pound note as well as a 100-pound note (look for them at the 2:40 mark), neither of which have been issued to date. The narration is entirely in French, but even if you don't understand the words, the visuals are interesting to anyone who collects notes and coins from Morocco.

According to an article on YnetNews.com dated 19 January 2013, Syria is planning to introduce a new 2,000-pound (US$28) note in February. While that may be true, the image of the reported note is clearly a fake created using the 2,000-forint note from Hungary (P198).

According to a Reuters article dated 13 June 2012, Syria has begun issuing new banknotes printed in Russia by Goznak, that nation's largest security printer. Syria's current 2009 issues (Pick 112-114) were printed by Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck in Austria, but OeBS has pulled out of the troubled country due to international pressure in the wake of the crackdown on protests against President Bashar Assad’s regime. The new Russian-printed notes are of the older design (P111), originally issued in 1997.

The new notes are identical to the 1997 issues, but do not have the small map of Syria on the back, and the English serial numbers at lower right front are normal, not novel (increasing in size). The font of the English serial numbers matches that used on Russian notes printed by Goznak.

According to a subsequent article dated 19 June 2012, Adib Mayyaleh, governor of the Central Bank of Syria, has denied that Russia is printing new notes for Syria, and stated that worn notes are being replaced following a long-established routine.

UPDATE: According to a ProPublica report dated 26 November 2012, records of overflight requests prove that a total of 240 tons of bank notes moved from Moscow to Damascus over a 10-week period beginning 9 July and ending on 15 September.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

The Lebanon chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers every note (165 types and varieties, including 72 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Banque du Liban (Bank of Lebanon) from 1964 to present day. Banque de Syrie et du Grand-Liban, Banque de Syrie et du Liban, and République Libanaise notes are not currently included in this chapter.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

According to a press release dated 14 November 2012, the Bank of Israel claims "the new series of banknotes is in the final stages of design. The first two banknotes, in denominations of NIS 50 and NIS 200, are expected to be issued in the second half of 2013, and the other two denominations, NIS 20 and NIS 100, are expected to be issued in the beginning of 2014. The name of the currency will remain New Shekel. As previously noted, banknotes in the new series will incorporate advanced security features, and will be of varying sizes in order to assist the visually impaired to distinguish between the various denominations."

According to an article on Trend.az dated 14 November 2012, First Deputy Chairman Alim Guliyev confirms that the Central Bank of Azerbaijan plans to issue 200- and 500-manat banknotes, though these are only plans and no decisions have been made on this issue. Currently the largest denomination is the 100-manat note (AMB B19 / P30) with a face value of US$127.

I am cataloging the Bank of Lebanon's notes for publication in The Banknote Book, and I have been unable to identify a few items which appear on these notes.

The front of the 1-livre notes (BDL B1/P61) dated 1964-1980 depict the ruins of Corinthian columns of the Roman Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek. However, I can't find any info on the unknown archeological artifact shown below.

According to an article in MarketWatch dated 17 October 2012, Germany's Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft (KBA) has agreed to stop supplying SPMO [Iran's Security Printing and Minting Organization] and the Central Bank of Iran with the equipment needed to produce rial banknotes, as part of international efforts to force Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions.

According to a press release (in Arabic only) by the Central Bank of Lebanon, a new 20,000-pound (US$13) note has been issued on 28 September 2012, and is dated 17 June 2012. It appears to have a Motion windowed security thread, cedar tree watermark with electrotype denomination numerals in Arabic, latent image, embossed BDL, and braille dots.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

According to a press release from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, on 23 July 2012 the bank issued an "amended" 50-dirham (US$14) note which is like the preceding issue (CBA B21), but with a new 3-mm wide, color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 50, Omron rings added to front and back, and it bears the new coat of arms which was adopted on 22 March 2008.

According to Iraq's semi-official Alsabaah newspaper, the finance committee received specimens of the new Iraq banknotes from the Central Bank of Iraq. The specimens were of the 25, 50, 100, and 200 dinars. The committee urged the central bank to delay the introduction of the new currency from January 2013 to July 2013 to study all the aspects of the process.

Other Iraqi media reports state that the new currency will be issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 dinars for banknotes and 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 fils, plus 1 and 2 dinars for coins. The designs have been already chosen for banknotes and coins:

5 dinars: Beck waterfall and palm tree10 dinars: dinar coin minted in the reign of the Umayyad dynasty and lighthouse Hadba in Mosul25 dinars: King Hammurabi receiving the law and farming of Iraqi Kurdistan50 dinars: King Codaa and Fort Ukhaydir100 dinars: Central Bank building in Azwaip area in Baghdad and ziggurat200 dinars: bridge and school

On 25 June 2012, the Central Bank of Armenia issued new 5,000-, 10,000-, and 20,000-dram notes (US$12, $24, and $48, respectively). These notes are like the preceding issues, but with subtle changes to several design elements, revised watermarks, new date (2012), and new signatures. On the 5,000-dram note the Kinegram at right front has been replaced by an open book, and a holographic stripe has been added at left front. On the 10,000- and 20,000-dram notes, the holographic stripes are different.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

At the time of initial publication, this 33-page catalog covers every note (247 types and varieties, including 80 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Government of Iraq from 1931 to 1948; the National Bank of Iraq in 1947; and the Central Bank of Iraq from 1947 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

The Nagorno-Karabakh chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download.

At the time of initial publication, this 3-page catalog covers every note (6 types and varieties, including 6 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic from 2004 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

This note is like AMB B15 (P26), but with new date, and the issuer's name changed from Azərbaycan Milli Bankı (National Bank of Azerbaijan) to Azərbaycan Mərkəzi Bankı (Central Bank of Azerbaijan). To date, only the 1- and 5-manat denominations have been confirmed with the new bank name.

According to an article on APA dated 8 May 2012, Chairman Elman Rustamov has said that the Central Bank of Azerbaijan is currently designing new 150-, 200-, and 500-manat banknotes for issuance in the coming years. Currently the largest denomination is the 100-manat note (AMB B19 / P30) with a face value of US$127.

The Azerbaijan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 10-page catalog covers every note (49 types and varieties, including 13 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНСКОЕ ПРАВИТЕЛЬСТВО (Azerbaijan Government) in 1919, the АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНСКАЯ РЕСПУБЛИКА (Republic of Azerbaijan) in 1919, the Azәrbaycan Mİllİ Banki (National Bank of Azerbaijan) from 1992 to 2005, and the Azərbaycan Mərkəzi Bankı (Central Bank of Azerbaijan) from 2009 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

According to a Reuters article dated 12 April 2012, Iraq has decided not to move forward with revaluing the dinar 1,000:1 this coming September as originally planned, because cabinet secretary Ali al-Alaq says the economic climate is not suitable for such a move. The redenomination is on hold "until further notice."

According to an article on Iraq-Business News dated 28 November 2011, the Central Bank of Iraq confirmed it will issue a new banknote valued at 50,000 dinars (US$43), but marked as 50 dinars. Deputy Chairman Dr. Muzher Saleh said the bank is working to issue this new money in addition to coins in both Arabic and Kurdish in an effort to address the liquidity problem in Iraq. Currently the largest denomination in Iraq is the 25,000-dinar note (Pick 96). The new currency will include symbols that reflect the diversity of Iraq’s sects and cultures including the Kurdish culture. “Iraq needs to support its economy and its currency through the issuance of a currency similar to foreign ones like the $100 bill,” Saleh added.

Keep in mind, for the past four years Iraq has reportedly been attempting to revalue its currency, and just last month it was reported that new notes would be issued in September 2012.

According to an article in the Oman Daily Observer dated 12 February 2012, the Central Bank of Oman has introduced new 5- and 10-rial notes (US$13 and $26, respectively) with upgraded security features, which will circulate in parallel with existing notes—B27 (P39) and B28 (P40)—of the same denominations. Based upon the 40th NATIONAL DAY inscription on the back of these notes, it appears they are commemoratives.

On 9 January 2012, the Central Bank of Oman issued a new 50-rial (US$130) note to commemorate the 40th National Day (18 November), the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father in 1970. It is also the sultan’s birthday.

The statement issued by CBO pointed out that this new banknote shall be in circulation as legal tender along with the existing banknotes, which shall continue to remain legal tender, and circulated side by side with these new notes. The common and security features on the front of the upgraded issue are portrait of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said with the facsimile signature of His Majesty on the lower part of the note, watermark of His Majesty portrait on the left side of the note, the national emblem (Khanjar) on top of the note, the Central Bank of Oman in Arabic on top of the note, serial numbers on right and left side of the note, denomination in Arabic on the right and left sides of the note, recognition feature for the blind and vertical security thread in the middle of the note.

The back of the note includes the Central Bank of Oman in English on top side of the note, denomination in English on right and left side of the note and the 40th National Day logo.

According to an Armenian News-NEW.am article dated 29 February 2012, the Central Bank of Armenia will introduce new 5,000- and 10,000-dram notes in the coming months. Images of the new notes were not made available due to security measures, but there will not be many changes between the new and old banknotes, which will circulate in parallel. The 5,000-dram (US$13) note was first introduced in 2000, and Omron rings were added in 2003, the same year the 10,000-dram denomination made its debut.

According to an artilce in The Kurdish Globe dated 25 February 2012, the Central Bank of Iraq has agreed with the Economic Committee of the Iraqi parliament to introduce new banknotes in September 2012, and withdrawl old notes within a year of that date. The new notes will be denominated in dinars, which will have three zeros removed to revalue them 1:1000 compared to the existing notes. The new 50-, 100-, and 200-dinar notes will be printed in Europe and feature Arabic, English, and Kurdish text.

The Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$4.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 9-page catalog covers every note (64 types and varieties, including 11 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Central Bank of Yemen from 1973 to present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The Democratic Republic of Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$0.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 4-page catalog covers every note (7 types and varieties, including 1 note unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Bank of Yemen from 1984 to 1988.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The South Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$0.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 3-page catalog covers every note (19 types and varieties, including 6 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the South Arabian Currency Authority from 1965 to 1967.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The Arab Republic of Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$0.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 4-page catalog covers every note (30 types and varieties, including 10 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Arab Republic of Yemen from 1964 to 1971.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The new notes are like the preceding issues (CBA B24 / P24c & P32), but the holographic stripe at right front has been replaced by G&D’s varifeye thread with see-through window. Extending throughout the window is an optically-variable stripe showing the National Emblem, a falcon head and denomination value. The old windowed metallic thread on the back of the note is replaced with a broader 3-mm wide color-shifting window thread with demetalized UAE 500. The metallic ink surrounding the UAE emblem on the top portion of the obverse side is replaced by multicolor ink print. The metallic silver ink at the bottom left of the banknote is replaced by a multicolor latent image. The falcon on the reverse side of the note is made smaller, and there is no intaglio printing on the reverse side of the banknote.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned on Banknotenews.com.

At the time of initial publication, this 16-page catalog covers every note (231 types and varieties, including 49 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the The Hashemite Kingdom of the Jordan from 1950 to 1952; and the Central Bank of Jordan from 1965 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

Today’s challenge is to identify the items which appear on the back of the old 5-dinar notes of Jordan.

If you can precisely identify the name of these items—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

The Qatar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 10-page catalog covers every note (45 types and varieties, including 6 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Qatar Monetary Agency from 1973 to 1985, and the Qatar Central Bank from 1996 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

According to an article in the Washington Post dated 16 July 2011, the Central Bank of Iran is taking a poll to gauge the public's preferences for new names for the country’s currency, including the current rial, as well as historic names such as toman, parsi, and derik. The bank is also asking how many zeros should be removed from the currency if and when the government approves redenomination, a proposal that has been bandied about for years.

The Palestine chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$0.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 4-page catalog covers every note (40 types and varieties, including 18 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Palestine Currency Board from 1927 to 1945.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

200 new sheqalim (US$59.15), 2010. Like P62, but new date and new signature. Intro: June 2011.

In accordance with Section 42(a) of the Bank of Israel Law, new banknotes printed henceforth shall bear the facsimile signature only of the Governor (hitherto banknotes carried the facsimile signatures of the Governor and of the Chairman of the Advisory Council, which no longer exists under the new Law).

The Muscat and Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$0.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 3-page catalog covers every note (18 types and varieties) issued by the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman in 1970.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 12-page catalog covers every note (78 types and varieties, including 10 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Oman Currency Board in 1972, and the Central Bank of Oman from 1976 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

Said the adviser of Iraqi Central Bank governor Mothahhar Mohammed Saleh, “The project of deleting zeroes is complete. It will be submitted to the central bank’s administration in the next session. Then, it will be passed to the ministerial council before presenting it to the Parliament for vote. The mechanisms of changing the currency will be gradual. It will be preceded by awareness campaigns for citizens. The new currency will be printed after deleting the zeros and will include the Kurdish language in addition to the Arabic language. It will bear as well photos of Iraq’s civilizations and patrimony in addition to symbols of Iraqi intellectuals and figures.”

There have been similar reports of revaluing the dinar since 2007, but to date none have come to fruition.

The Kuwait chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 12-page catalog covers every note (97 types and varieties, including 9 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Kuwait Currency Board in 1961, and the Central Bank of Kuwait from 1970 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The Saudi Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 11-page catalog covers every note (79 types and varieties, including 17 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency from 1953 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The United Arab Emirates chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 11-page catalog covers every note (70 types and varieties, including 11 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the United Arab Emirates Currency Board from 1973 to 1976, and the United Arab Emirates Central Bank from 1982 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

The Georgia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 16-page catalog covers every note (92 types and varieties, including 11 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Republic of Georgia from 1919 to 1921, and the National Bank of Georgia from 1993 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

While working on the Georgian chapter of The Banknote Book catalog, the authenticity of the above pictured 500-lari note dated 1995 came into question. The SCWPM lists this as Pick 60, without image, and indicates the note was unissued. The National Bank of Georgia makes no mention of this note on its site, although this denomination is listed in the annual report of 1998, which shows zero such notes in circulation, so it appears the denomination was anticipated but unissued for some reason. I’ve also been told that the note may have been issued for intrabank transactions only.

Does anyone have any information about this note, or better yet, actually own this note? If so, please click the Contact button at left or post a comment.

UPDATE: The National Bank of Georgia has confirmed that the 500-lari banknote was never in circulation nor sold for numismatics and that it is used only for souvenir purposes.

The Bahrain chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$4.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 8-page catalog covers every note (52 types and varieties, including 8 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Bahrain Currency Board in 1964, the Bahrain Monetary Agency from 1973 to 2001, and the Central Bank of Bahrain from 2006 to present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

At the time of initial publication, this 3-page catalog covers every note (12 types and varieties) issued by the Qatar & Dubai Currency Board from 1966 until 1973.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

This 24-page catalog covers every note (154 types and varieties, including 4 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited from 1948, the State of Israel from 1948, Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. (Israel National Bank Ltd.) from 1952, and the Bank of Israel from 1955 until present day. Revised 15 November 2012.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

According to an article in Tehran Times dated 7 April 2011, Mahmoud Bahmani, the governor of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said the bank has begun studying plans to remove four zeros from the rial, and will seek approval from the Monetary and Credit Council within six months. Meanwhile, the Finance and Economy Minister, Shamseddin Hosseini, recently said the bank is planning to remove three zeros from the currency within the current calendar year which started on March 21. Currently Iran’s largest banknote is the 100,000-rial note (US$9.60), although it has also issued note-like cheques in denominations ten times that amount.

Iran has been discussing revaluing the rial for years, so it’s anyone’s guess as to whether anything will come of this latest announcement.

According to a press release dated 10 March 2011, the Bank of Israel has announced that poets and scholars—specifically, Natan Alterman, Leah Goldberg, Shaul Tchernichovsky, and Rachel the Poetess—will be featured on new Israeli banknotes which will be issued over three years, starting in 2012. The bank’s choices must be approved by the government.

According to an article on El Nashra, the Bank of Lebanon issued new 1,000-, 50,000-, and 100,000-pound (US0.65, $33, and $66, respectively) notes on 24 February 2011. The notes are signed by the bank's governor, Riad Salameh, and the first deputy governor, Raed Sharaf al-Din.

Special Large Color Shifting Element on Upper right hand corner - MVC: evenly printed unified green area – changes to yellow and green rainbow lines with latent image of the cedar when note is tilted/rotated.

Special Large Arabic color shifting Denomination in Center of the Note: changes color when banknote is tiled/rotated (MVC Chameleon).

Under IR. Part of the Intaglio image on the obverse and offset image on the reverse of the note becomes transparent when it is observed under special IR visualization device.

Under Magnification. Microtext. Microlettering that becomes visible only under magnifying lens (10x).

Special Large Color Shifting Element on Upper right hand corner - MVC: evenly printed unified blue area – changes to yellow and blue rainbow lines with latent image of the cedar when note is tilted/rotated.

Special Large Arabic color shifting Denomination in Center of the Note: changes color when banknote is tiled/rotated (MVC Chameleon).

Under IR. Part of the Intaglio image on the obverse and offset image on the reverse of the note becomes transparent when it is observed under special IR visualization device.

Under Magnification. Microtext. Microlettering that becomes visible only under magnifying lens (10x).

Special Large Color Shifting Element on Upper right hand corner – MVC - evenly printed unified greenish area – changes to yellow and Green rainbow lines with latent image of the cedar when note is tilted/rotated.

Special Large Arabic color shifting Denomination in Center of the Note: changes color when banknote is tiled/rotated (MVC Chameleon).

Under IR. Part of the Intaglio image on the obverse and offset image on the reverse of the note becomes transparent when it is observed under special IR visualization device.

Under Magnification. Microtext. Microlettering that becomes visible only under magnifying lens (10x).

According to a press release dated 19 December 2010, “The Governor of the Bank of Israel, Professor Stanley Fischer, has informed the Committee for the Planning of Banknotes, Coins and Commemorative Coins, headed by Judge Yaacov Turkel, that he has chosen four personalities [Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Rabin, Shai (Shmuel Yosef) Agnon, and Rachel the Poetess]––to be submitted for government approval––to appear on the planned new series of banknotes.After a long process of consultation and discussions between the Committee and the Governor, the Governor decided to incorporate two aspects of Israel's history, the political and the cultural, by depicting two politicians who signed peace agreements with Israel's neighbors, and two outstanding people in the fields of literature and poetry.The Governor said that it was of historical importance, in particular for future generations, to denote the leaders of the nation, and the characters chosen convey an important lesson in Israel's heritage. The Governor thanked the members of the Committee, chaired by Judge Turkel, for the time they devoted to this matter and for their recommendations.The Bank plans to launch the new series of banknotes in 2012 in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekel. The new banknotes will incorporate state-of-the-art security and identification features among the anti-counterfeiting measures.”

5 dinars (US$7.05), 2010 ٢٠١٠. Like P35 but new date and new signature combination (Mohammad Abu Hammour and Umayya Salah Toukan). These two had signed together years ago, so either they’ve been reappointed to their old posts, or the printer made a mistake.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

I’m working on the Iranian chapter of The Banknote Book and have come across this interesting engraving on the front of Pick 30, the 1,000-rial note of 1934. The image—described in SCWPM as “warrior killing fabulous creature”—also appears on the date stamps of subsequent issues. I suspect it depicts some Persian legend or myth. If anyone can direct me towards a full explanation, hopefully identifying the warrior and/or creature by name, I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

50 riyals (US$13.33), 2009. Like P35, but new date and new Governor signature (Muhammad Al-Jaser). Also, the denomination expressed in Arabic in the bars at left and right edge of the front of the note has been slightly modified. In the first issue of this note, the trailing zero was so small that it blended in with the tiny boxes in the background (above, left), but the new variety has a larger zero which stands out better (above, right).

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknotes of Lebanon:

P1-P12FP13A-P14P17-P24P28-P33P39

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

The Central Bank of Yemen introduced a new 1,000-rial note that is similar to the 2004-dated note (P33), but dated 2009 and with improved security features, including the replacement of the holographic stripe on front for Goznak’s Visual Formed Image security thread previously introduced on the 250-rial note of 2009.

In connection with coming into force of the Referendum Act of Azerbaijan Republic dated 18 March 2009, Azerbaycan Milli Banki (National Bank of Azerbaijan) was renamed Azerbaycan Merkezi Banki (Central Bank of Azerbaijan). To date, only the 1-manat note has been issued.

1 manat (US$1.25), 2009. Like P24, but new bank name of Azerbaycan Merkezi Banki instead of Azerbaycan Milli Banki, and new date. Signature remains the same: Elman Rustamov.

According to a Bloomberg BusinessWeek article dated 16 June 2010, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a new 100,000-rial (US$10) note on 22 June. Governor Mahmoud Bahmani said the bank will print at least 150 million of the new notes, though he promised it won’t increase the inflation rate (currently around 10 percent). The new banknotes will reduce the need for cheques (banknote-like documents available in denominations of half- and one-million rials) that Iranians buy from banks to use in large transactions. Cheques are transferred between individuals in the same way as cash, but are canceled when presented at banks for deposit.

According to a PressTV article dated 23 March 2010, “The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) will issue new 100,000-rial [US$10.11] banknotes within four months, says CBI Head Mahmoud Bahmani. ‘We have ordered 100,000-rial banknotes to be printed and people will get these notes within four months,’ said Bahmani on Monday, IRNA reported. Last week, the CBI announced that the bank plans to print 100,000-rial banknotes in the current Iranian year, which started on March 21. CBI Deputy Head Hamid Pourmohammadi says the decision was part of the bank's plan to slash three zeros off Iran's national currency. The head of Iran's Bank Tejarat, Majid-Reza Davari, said the decision was part of CBI's “monetary reform plan,” but analysts say rising inflation has led the government to issue high value banknotes, Fars News Agency reported.”

All denominations of Kuwaiti notes with the exception of the 1/2 dinar and 10 dinar have now been confirmed with the new signature combination of Salem Abdul Aziz Sa’ud al-Sabah, Governor and Mustafa Jassim Al-Shamali, Minister of Finance.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

According to a report on Radio Free Iraq dated 6 February 2010, the Central Bank of Iraq “is planning to redenominate the national currency in an effort to ease transactions and allow people to carry less paper money. Mudhhir Muhammad Salih, a member of a Central Bank advisory panel, told RFI that a plan has been made to remove three zeros from the currency and phase out the current banknotes late this year. Salih said by the end of 2010 the new banknotes will be fully introduced while the old banknotes will be gradually removed from circulation. He did not specify when the new notes would be issued. Both will be legal tender in Iraq until the old notes are completely withdrawn.”

According to a Gulf News article dated 16 December 2009, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders concluded their annual two-day summit with an agreement to form a monetary union, paving the way for a single currency for Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia; Oman and the United Arab Emirates opted out. A monetary council is to be established in early 2010, and will transition into a central bank, which will eventually issue a single currency, though no timeline was announced.

According to an article on Haaretz.com, over the next two years the Bank of Israel will issue new banknotes featuring portraits of Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl and three former prime ministers: David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, and Yitzhak Rabin. The bank has decided against issuing a proposed NIS 500 (US$132) denomination.

The bank’s experiment with a NIS 20 (US$5.25) note printed on polymer is considered a success, so it’s possible the new notes will also be printed on polymer, though a decision on the substrate has not been announced. "With the new set of bills, the bank will be at the forefront of the technological stage on all matters related to the war against counterfeiting," the Bank of Israel said. "The security measures will be friendly to the public so that it will be possible, with relative ease, to spot counterfeit money."

The Central Bank of Yemen introduced a new 250-rial (US$1.20) note on 14 November 2009 with the following specifications:

General and Technical Specifications:A- The size is 158 mm x 75 mm.B - There is a water mark depicting the coat of arms of the Republic of Yemen located on the right hand side of the face of the banknote.C- The YR 250 banknote has many features and elements enabling easy detection of its authenticity. They include:1. The script is prominently printed on the banknote (intaglio) , giving it a distinctive roughness to the touch. The banknote shows the denomination value, the name of the Central Bank of Yemen and the signature of the Bank Governor.2. There is a star at the bottom of the face of the banknote, half of which is brown while the other half is white.3. The dome of the mosque appears in a uniform pink color when looking at the banknote directly. But if the banknote is slightly tilted, the color of the background of the dome changes into the colors of a rainbow and shows the denomination value.4. When light is shed on the back of the banknote the thread stripe changes from a winding zigzagging silver form into dark straight broad black filament and the denomination value appears in white bright color all along the filament.5. There are modern methods of detecting the authenticity of the banknote, such as by using counting and sorting machines or when the banknote is exposed to ultra violet rays.

Specifications of the Face of the Banknote:A. A general view of Al-Saleh mosque with its name written at the bottom of the picture.B. The phrase " Central Bank of Yemen" printed at the top center of the banknote, followed by "Central Bank of Yemen" then "Signature" above the word "Governor".C. The denomination value is prominently printed in Arabic numbers at the bottom right hand side of the banknote. On the top right hand side of the banknote there are Islamic geometrical designs.D. Letter-Press printing of the serial numbers printed in red ink at the top right hand side of the paper and in black ink at the bottom left hand side of the banknote.E. Date of printing 1430 H - 2009 in Arabic.

Specifications of the back of the banknote:A. A picture of the Mukalla Khor with its name depicted at the bottom of the Khor.B. The name of the Central Bank of Yemen in English at the top center of the banknote.C. Printing of the value of the denomination (250) in Arabic numbers at the top left hand side of the banknote and the bottom right hand side of the banknote.D. Decorative Islamic geometric designs.E. The back of the banknote contains several advanced security features some of them can be easily recognized by the man in the street, but others can only be detected by counting and sorting machines or when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

According to a GulfNew.com article dated 13.12.2009, the Central Bank of the UAE has announced it has begun building a security press to print banknotes. The plant is being built on a plot of land near the Central Bank building complex in Abu Dhabi. The plant will print all denominations of UAE dinar notes and will have excess capacity for future expansion and printing of notes for other countries in the region.

To date it appears only the 100- and 1,000-dirham notes have have been updated with the new coat of arms (other denominations have been issued dated 2008, but they still have the old coat of arms). Please share scans if you have other notes with the new coat of arms.

I originally reported the signature combo as Mazaheri - Bahmani, basing my info on the signature table at Peter Symes’ excellent site, Islamicbanknotes.com. However, I have recently been contacted by Ali Nasseri who says:

The Islamicbanknotes.com has the signature of Hosseini - Bahmani that is correct, but has a mistake too!

But, because Mr. Mazaheri was the preident of CBI, few month after Mr. Hosseini and before Mr. Bahmani, so the new 2000 Rls is printed before of all "Hosseini - Bahmani" notes (2000, 5000, 20000 and 50000 Rials), so, the new signature "Hosseini - Mazaheri" is printed former than "Hosseini - Bahmani".

Plus, you mentioned "Mazaheri - Bahmani" in your website. Those are both CBI's presidents. Where is the minister of finance's signature??? It is imposible that both of signatures belong to Central Bank presidents.

On 19 July 2009, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran introduced a new 5,000-rial (US$0.50) banknote with images of Omid, Iran’s first domestically-produced research and telecommunications satellite, which was launched into space on February 3. "In order to commemorate its achievements in space sciences the government has given permission to the central bank to use pictures of the Omid satellite and its rocket launcher on both banknotes and coins," the Abrar newspaper said.

The new undated note measures 154 x 75 mm and features a portrait of Imam Khomeini on front and the Omid satellite and earth on back. The watermark is of Khomeini, with a 0.5-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized denomination in Persian and Latin.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

The 10-lari note dated 2002 (Pick 71) has been discovered to have an error in the spelling of the denomination on the back. Specifically, it was incorrectly spelled “Fen Lari” (middle image) instead of “Ten Lari” (bottom image). This mistake was corrected in later printings also dated 2002.

Recently a new variety of the 1,000-pound (US$21.40) note, Pick 111a (top), have been confirmed. The new variety (bottom), has a small map in circle added to back, below “CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA.” Both notes are dated 1997.

Recently two new varieties of the 500-pound (US$10.70) note, Pick 110a (top), have been confirmed. The first variety (middle), has a small map in circle added to back, below “CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA.” The second variety (bottom), has the small map, plus a row of leaves added at center bottom, above “FIVE HUNDRED SYRIAN POUNDS,” and the denomination numerals at lower right. All three notes are dated 1998.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

According to a Gulf Times article dated February 25, 2009, Qatar’s 100- and 500-rial notes originally issued in 2003 (Pick 24 and 25, respectively) can be exchanged for new notes at all banks through June 15; for ten years afterwards they can be redeemed only at the Qatar Central Bank. The old notes are being withdrawn in favor of the new versions of these denominations which were issued in 2007 with wide Optiks security threads.

According to a Trend Capital report dated 18 February 2009, “The Azerbaijani current banknotes in circulation and money reserves created on basis of banknotes will not be changed or replaced in connection with renaming the National Bank of Azerbaijan into the Central Bank according to the constitutional amendments, the NBA said. ‘Depending on results of referendum, changes can be made to banknotes in circulation and new face-values in case of request. Banknotes in circulation will be legal way of payment until their circulation term ends,’ the bank said.”

On 9 December 2008, the National Bank of Georgia introduced 10- and 50-lari notes dated 2008. The notes are similar to earlier issues of the same denominations, but have enhanced security features. The new 10-lari note has two relief inscriptions of the nominal value 10 imprinted above the oak-leaf on the front. Also, the numeral 10 is printed with OVI for a color-changing optical effect when the banknote is tilted.

In August 2008, the central bank issued new cheques, which it claims are not banknotes although they are legal tender just as if they were. They were introduced to replace the array of high-denomination promissory notes which private banks had been issuing to enable their customers to carry out large transactions and which are now banned as the central bank has moved to reassert control over the money supply.

On September 15, 2008, the Qatar Central Bank issued a new series of four notes—1, 5, 10, and 50 riyals—which have symbols along the left front edge that facilitate their use by the visually handicapped. Preceding note issues of the same denominations will remain legal tender, but will be gradually replaced by the new series. New 100- and 500-riyal notes are in the works, but details aren’t available. These denominations were upgraded in 2007 with the addition of the 18-mm wide Optiks security thread with see-through window, so bank officials did not feel the need to update them at this time.

All of the new notes measure 154 x 74 mm and are presumably printed by De La Rue (based upon their inclusion of StarChrome security threads and an unique screen trap pattern on the back). All of the notes have the following security features: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa as watermark with electrotype denomination, intaglio printing, windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with CBB repeating, gold iridescent stripe with denomination in Arabic and English, registration device, denomination as latent image, CENTRALBANKOFBAHRAIN microprinting, novel serial number fluoresces under UV light. Additionally, the 5-, 10-, and 20-dinar notes also include a hologram on the front.

In addition to the security features, the new banknotes also incorporate, for the first time, a feature to enable the visually-impaired to easily recognize the value of each note. The feature—which has erroneously been called braille by some media outlets—comprises a series of short, raised lines, which appear at the top right on the front face of the note. The BD1/2 has one line; BD1 has two lines and so on, up to BD20, with five lines.

According to the Bank of Israel’s annual report released on October 7, 2007, “To improve the life of the NIS 20 [US$4.95] banknote, the Currency Department released an improved banknote in 2006 printed on higher quality paper with additional coating. As part of this improved quality, the Currency Department will be issuing the next issue of NIS 20 notes based on polypropylene, a polymer which is becoming more popular in many countries due to its durability.” On September 23, 2007, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the bank is planning a trial run of 20 million NIS in polymer notes beginning in February 2008.

The bank’s annual report also stated, “In 2006 the Currency Department began planning a new banknote issue series, which includes many aspects, including changing the banknote design, improved security features and quality of banknote paper. The new series is planned to be issued in the next 4-5 years.”

On September 11, 2007, Iran’s central bank governor, Tahmasb Mazaheri, admitted that the bank is examining a proposal to knock three zeros off the rial to increase economic confidence and reduce the number of banknotes necessary to conduct cash transactions. Since the Islamic revolution of 1979, the exchange rate of the rial has gone from 70 rials to the dollar to 9,300 rials today. Iran’s largest denomination, the 50,000-rial note, was issued on March 12, 2007, and is worth approximately US$5.40.

With today’s release of the SAR 50 and 100, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency has begun circulating its 5th Issue of notes. The new SAR 5 and 10 will appear at the beginning of July, followed by the SAR 500 in September, and ending with the SAR 1 in December.

The Bank of Israel has published a new book, “Banknotes and Coins of Israel 1927-2006.” The fruit of intensive research, the book is published by the Currency Department of the Bank of Israel.

The book details the entire series of banknotes and coins issued during the period covered. Each note and coin is presented pictorially, and accompanying text describes both the design of motif and the choice behind it. The publication is unique in its technical detail of the notes and coins––size, cover, security measures against counterfeiting, designers and periods of circulation––as well additional background material including the original photographs which provided the source of the designs of the banknotes and coins. Next to the photos of each coin is an example of the original coin––usually an ancient Hebrew coin––upon which the modern coin was based.

The book has a foreword by the Governor of the Bank, Professor Stanley Fischer, and was written by Yigal Arkin, a collector and researcher of means of payments, with scientific editing by Dr. Rachel Barkay, numismatic curator of the Bank of Israel.

This colorful, hardback, richly illustrated book has colored margins for ease of reference. The Bank of Israel hopes that such an extensive compendium will provide both a source of information and enjoyment to the public, and will help to increase general knowledge of the banknotes and coins of both the modern-day Israel and of the young state-in-the-making.

The book is available in both Hebrew and English and is priced at NIS 98 (approximately US$23).

Though the book will shortly be for sale at stores, currently it can only be purchased directly from the Bank of Israel. To buy the book, payment can be either by credit card from the Publications Unit of the Bank of Israel: Tel: 02-6552767; Fax: 02-6552984; email: matikahn@boi.gov.il; or by sending a check (payable to the Bank of Israel) to: The Bank of Israel Publications Unit P.B. 780 Jerusalem 91007.